Wellness program needs increase

It’s no secret that many health care providers feel overwhelmed and struggling. The social and emotional stresses put on providers both during and after the pandemic is well-documented.

As a practicing dentist, I regularly hear from my colleagues across the state who are struggling with their mental health; burnout from the greater demands to increase access to care while dealing with growing overhead, low reimbursement and a workforce shortage; or the pressures of daily life.

Yet those same colleagues fail to seek the support they need because they fear it will impact their dental license.

The Oregon Wellness Program helps fill that gap, offering dentists, physicians, nurses and other health care professionals non-reported, urgently available, and complimentary access to mental health services. Unfortunately, this important program is at risk of a funding shortage, after the Legislature failed to pass a budget increase in the 2024 legislative session.

I urge the Legislature to provide additional funding for the Oregon Wellness Program in the coming legislative session. Health care providers, like the rest of us, need to put on their own oxygen mask before they can help others with theirs.

This critical program ensures that dentists can get the confidential support they need to help themselves, so they can help their patients.

Dr. Calie Kloke / Medford

Writer seeks details on Campbell

I am reaching out to the readers of Rogue Valley Times with a heartfelt request for assistance in honoring the memory of Arthur H. Campbell, a cherished local author who passed away in October 2017.

As I delve into his life and work for an upcoming story, I am eager to connect with friends, acquaintances, and admirers who knew him personally or through his literary/scientific contributions.

Whether you shared conversations with Art, attended his events, or enjoyed his novels, your perspective is invaluable in portraying his life and work comprehensively. Your stories, photographs and memorabilia will contribute to a book that emphasizes some of his contributions.

If you have any memories or materials related to Arthur (Art) H. Campbell that you would be willing to share, please reach out to me directly at allthingsunexplained@yahoo.com.

Thank you for your support in this endeavor.

Tim Mounce / Chapel Hill, N.C.

Commissioners’ salaries an issue

Current commissioners Colleen Roberts and Rick Dyer could see their salaries increase to $150,009.60 starting this July 1. If Measure 15-226 passes next Tuesday, their salaries would eventually be reduced to $75,000.

Regarding the reduced salary, Dyer has said, “That certainly would be a factor … against me wanting to run again.”

Medford mayor Randy Sparacino, a Republican candidate for Jackson County commissioner, was asked if he he would accept a salary of $75,000 and he said, “Absolutely — I don’t get paid right now as mayor.”

There are a large number of citizens in the Rogue Valley, Republicans and Democrats, that work as tirelessly as mayors, city council members, etc. Thanks for your service!

Is Dyer worth 150K? What do you think? Is he that much better than the hundreds of patriots that work for free in Jackson County?

Peter Toogood / Talent

Davis for Circuit Court judge

I have been a firsthand eyewitness to Joe Davis, candidate for Jackson County Circuit Court judge (first district, seat five), living out his lifelong commitment to our community.

In addition to his distinguished career as an attorney, Joe Davis’ long-standing record of service to those recovering from addiction, folks needing support with mental health and family life, higher education for our residents and local school children points to the compassion and ethical impartiality he will bring to his service on the bench for Jackson County.

When I complete my ballot, I know I will feel proud to be voting for such a skilled and experienced candidate standing for election for Jackson County Circuit Court Judge.

Alena Ruggerio / Medford

Bartholomew for district attorney

Alyssa Bartholomew is the right choice for Jackson County district attorney. Her 23 years of legal practice focused in criminal law, far outpaces her opponent’s eight years.

She has developed community support from all areas of the community: Law enforcement, businesses, treatment and her peers in the Jackson County Bar Association. There is a reason you see her signs displayed prominently throughout the county, people know her and trust her to lead.

The Jackson County DA’s office has lost almost all of its senior attorneys and experience over the last 18 months. An overwhelming majority of the attorneys there have less than 10 years experience. They have to be lead by a credentialed attorney like Alyssa for it to function effectively for our community.

Get your ballots submitted and vote for Alyssa Bartholomew for district attorney so Jackson County has an accomplished leader as our top law enforcement officer.

Connor Shores / Central Point

Consider sad lives of circus animals

Two circuses with live animal acts are coming to the Rogue Valley: Culpepper and Meriweather to Eagle Point on May 17. They have performing big cats. A week later, May 24-26, Hillah Shrine Circus, part of Jordan World Circus, is coming to Medford. They boast having elephants, camels, bison, horses and a dog act.

Due to the outcry of local citizens and animal welfare groups, Barnum and Bailey Circus no longer has performing animals and numerous other cities, states and countries have banned live animal acts as well.

Circus animals are housed and transported in small, cramped cages and are forced to travel like this for many hours. There are no resources for animals to exercise or act naturally. Predators and prey are often housed close to one another and family members and herd members may be separated.

Most “tricks” are coerced through the use of torturous methods, including electric shock devices, metal rods, whips and bullhooks, which are heavy bars with metal hooks at the end used to jab sensitive spots on elephants.

These animals are prone to severe health, behavioral and psychological problems. The extreme stress caused by the circus environment often makes wild animals dangerous, especially to the public. Recently, in Missoula, Montana, one of Jordan Circus’s elephants escaped and was found crossing a busy highway.

In summary, I urge people not to attend any circus with performing animals, such as the two coming to our area. Consider the animals, and how they deserve better lives.

Barbara Shor, DVM / Ashland

The window for submitting election-related Letters to the Editor has closed. Letters received through Friday, May 17, will be considered to be published online at rv-times.com/opinion.

As always, letters of up to 250 words on local, state and regional issues may be submitted for publication by email to letters@rv-times.com, or by using the Submit A Letter to the Editor form available on rv-times.com